Last year, a local New Jersey newspaper wrote
that Yachad is “the best kept secret.” Well, the secret
is out! Yachad is booming, experiencing tremendous
growth in virtually every department – and the Jewish
community at large has started to notice!
One of our most powerful methods for
raising inclusion awareness has been our famous
Shabbatonim (weekend retreats) which bring Yachad
members (children and adults with disabilities)
together with typically developing peers and staff to
a community for Shabbat. Each and every year there
are more and more synagogues and communities
requesting a Yachad Shabbaton. And the reason for
that is that it’s often the community members themselves who benefit more from our
program than anyone else. To see someone who looks or speaks differently than you
called to the Torah for an aliyah, give a dvar Torah or lead the prayer services is eye
opening! And it is uplifting on many levels, too, for it underscores both the diversity
and unity of Klal Yisrael.
Similarly, through our summer programs Yachad educates and influences each
and every camper and staff member across the twenty-two different summer programs
in which we operate. This exposure allows us to affect thousands of campers at an age
when they are learning and growing each and every day. And this is exactly the aim of
Yachad – ensuring that inclusion isn’t an anomaly, but rather the norm.
Another goal is servicing the entire Yachad family. Whether it’s through parent
support groups, vocational training, SibShops, educational conferences, job fairs
or our annual Family Shabbatonim, Yachad provides rich family programming
and services across the country. At every Family Shabbaton, you feel the buoyant
atmosphere, as Yachad families gather together for a weekend of education,
inspiration and networking.
So it’s time that the message is heard: individuals with disabilities have so
much to offer. Yachad is proud to play a key role not only in helping them thrive,
but in demonstrating how they enhance our growing local, national and global
Jewish communities.

DEAR FRIENDS,
Though the calendar says June, I must confess that I love the month of February. Why? That is
the time Yachad presents NAIM, North American Inclusion Month, in which Yachad staff and leadership
develop and promote programs across the United States and Canada to open the doors of synagogues,
schools and community institutions to individuals of all ages with disabilities so as to include them in
the total experience of the Jewish community.
I must add that I love the other eleven months as well. Though NAIM sets the theme, so to speak,
it is only an introduction to the rest of the year and the plethora of services and programs that Yachad
provides. Though NAIM begins in February, it is now the vehicle for year round culture change.
This is not the Yachad of just a few years ago. Yachad continues to experience very significant
growth in all areas. This is especially so in our National Department. Chapters across the country and
membership have grown, and the services we provide have increased as well. Our staff has grown larger,
not just full-timers, but a host of part-timers as well as graduate and doctoral interns.
Some examples of these dynamic new Yachad programs and services:
•Vocational Services in both Chicago and New Jersey.
•Increased Family Services – This year we presented a Midwest Family Shabbaton (with 400 participants) in March, in addition
to the long-established East Coast event, which attracts 1,000 people, held in May.
•Two major conferences on Special Education and Inclusion in schools, with more than 200 attendees at each and more
projected for next year.
•Sensitivity training – giving students a glimpse of what it’s like to have a disability – in schools and communities all over the
country has grown as well.
•Expanded training and support to our staff and chapter coordinators have also taken place to support the wider array of activities.
What this means is that there are more and even better programs of inclusion happening all over the United States, Canada and
Israel, affecting literally thousands of children and adults who have special needs and tens of thousands more who are their peers.
A careful reading of Belong will provide insights into our programs, our growth, our staff and what the future may hold. Over the
past twenty-five years, I have seen enormous changes in the way the Jewish community reacts to individuals with disabilities. There
is still a long way to go, but the road to full inclusion is much shorter than it has ever been. Yachad has paved that road, provided the
traffic signals (full speed ahead!) and positively impacted the Yachad members and professional staff who travel that road. If there are
any obstacles on the road, we will clear them. Just as the present is bright for our varied constituencies, the future will be brighter still.

Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, International Director

HOTTEST TICKETS IN THIS WORLD AND THE NEXT
In the last issue of Belong magazine, I explained one critical aspect of Yachad, which is the importance
of, and gratitude we owe to, the staff, advisors and volunteers of Yachad. In this issue, I would like to tell
you a little bit about another key component of Yachad that I believe has been the hidden source of the
wonderful growth and success of Yachad. This key component is the amazing and wonderful people that
are our Yachad members with their very special and high neshamot (souls).
During my six year tenure as Chairman of Yachad (which is coming to an end this year) I have learned
one thing clearly. The hottest tickets in this world are not courtside to a Miami Heat game, nor on the 50
yard line first row of the Super Bowl. No, the hottest tickets are acceptances to Yachad’s Yad b’Yad summer
program in Israel (where high school teens tour Israel with our Yachad members). The calls I get to try to
get high schoolers accepted to this program are so numerous and are from so many amazing and deserving
applicants. To me this phenomenon is a badge of honor of Yachad’s success and shows the draw that helping these high and holy souls,
that we call Yachad members, has achieved, as there are many other tours of Israel each summer that the applicants could choose.
How do we explain this? It is well known that when a person with special needs walked into the synagogue of the Chazon Ish zt'l that
he used to stand up because he felt he was in the presence of a very high neshama (soul). Rav Moshe Shapiro, shl'ita, a gadol (rabbinic
scholar) in Israel has written and talked dramatically about how fortunate are those of us who raise and can assist the high neshamot that
are the special needs members of the Jewish people and Yachad. Rav Shapiro explains why, and how we know, they have such high souls,
but that is for another time and another forum. He makes the point that Hashem only gives these high and holy neshamot (souls) to special
parents, to special families and to special helpers who Hashem is confident about them being worthy of this honor and challenge.
The team that has helped these special souls in this world will be with them, courtside, when they are greeted, festively and immediately,
into the Next World. Certain good and caring people are drawn to these holy souls, while others can’t deal with them. Yachad is part
of their team and everyone involved in Yachad will also have the “hottest” tickets in the Next World, right next to our amazing Yachad
members, where their souls, true value and merits will finally be fully realized, understood and appreciated.

By Batya Rosner
a
Deep in the heart of Texas star is shining
bright, and his name is Aaron Winston. A dedicated Yachad
member born and bred in the Lone Star State, Aaron is
pursuing a career at the nonPareil Institute, where he works as
a staff programmer on various projects released on the iTunes
store, or the Google Play store. He is the creator of SpaceApe,
a quick, single player game that involves maneuvering a
Russian Cosmonaut Ape named Dmitri around outer space;
players aim to scoop up bananas while dodging asteroids,
comets and aliens.
“Socially, I believe Yachad prepared me for my job at nonPareil, as it gave me confidence in myself,” Aaron, 22, shares.
“I have autism and Asperger’s. I didn’t always want friends;
but Yachad helped me to understand the importance and
benefits of having friends, of having a social network, and that
I don’t have to do anything alone.”
Aaron was diagnosed six years ago and participated in
Yachad’s Getaway summer program the following summer,

at age 17. Yachad Getaway is a two-week retreat where Yachad
members and staff create all of their activities and meals.
“Yachad Getaway was the first time Aaron spent away from
home, yet I felt confident in the program from the questions
they asked my son to assess if the program would be a
good fit,” recalls his mother Cindy. “It was an eye-opening
experience for all of us to see how much he benefitted from
independence. He introduced us to his friends. It was amazing
to see what he was capable of in the right environment.
“Yachad was such a plus for him! But when we picked
him up from that first positive experience of Getaway, we were
thinking, ‘now what?’ He’d had a glimpse of what friends were,
so it was hard to go back to the solitude that had been ‘normal.’
Until then, he hadn’t realized how small his world was.”
Aaron joined the small Yachad chapter in Dallas,
participating in various Shabbatonim and in numerous
Yachad summer programs including Yad B’Yad, an inclusive
summer trip touring the Jewish homeland. He always looked
Belong 2014

3

forward to the next Yachad event. It was at Yachad Summer
my main goal coming to work every day isn’t just getting my
Program’s Simchaton, a reunion taking place over Simchat
job done. We’re a community, caring about each other. When
Torah, that Aaron learned about Team Yachad. He had already
that’s the main thing, it helps people get along and feel they’re
been working with a trainer, so he decided to sign up and
in a safe environment.”
added more treadmill time to his exercise regime. Mostly fast
“Aaron has been the very type of person our company
walking, he completed the 2011
needs to be successful,”
ING Half-Marathon in Miami
states Dan Selec, founder
as a proud member of Team
and chief executive officer of
Yachad. He went on to complete
the nonPareil Institute. “As a
it again the following year.
student, he invested his time
And
the
Simchaton
well, and was always reaching
was the source of another
for more knowledge and
important discovery. Aaron’s
ability than he had the day
parents learned of the
before. Aaron came into our
nonPareil Institute in nearby
program with little computer
Plano, Texas, which provides
knowledge,
but
showed
technical training and
himself to be a hardworking
employment to individuals on
and dedicated member of
the autism spectrum.
our nonPareil crew. Step by
“I had always been
step, Aaron has built himself
interested in video games and
into a productive part of our
was good at school, pretty
organization.”
detail oriented – but I had
Aaron can be found
tried college and found it too
at the office 10:00 am to
overwhelming; I had a lot of
6:00 pm, though he’s often
anxiety,” Aaron states frankly.
sighted there early and after“The only pre-requisite for
hours. He has numerous
nonPareil is to be on the autism
responsibilities: as a games
spectrum. I didn’t have real
and software programmer
experience in the technology
for the company, he works
field, but I was willing to apply
with a team to create tools for
myself.”
program scripting. SpaceApe
Aaron went through a
took him a month and half to
series of training courses in
create, working with a team
Aaron completes the Half-Marathon with
software development and
of artists on design concepts
Team Yachad in 2011
programming before the
and implementation. Smaller
company hired him fulltime. “I
games could take less time,
find working here fun as well as gratifying in many different
according to Aaron.
areas,” Aaron says. “And while I do enjoy programming
He also serves as a mentor, spending time daily
software, I realize that working here is not entirely about
helping others learn how to learn, building their confidence,
being a programmer – it’s about helping others build skills.
and trying to help them achieve personal success. “Aaron has
One of the strengths of this company is that we employees are
great leadership skills: he is patient and concerned for his
not competing against each other.”
teammate’s growth and participation. This may be in
Cindy Winston notes, “From the beginning, Aaron was
helping them with coursework, or by simply being there for
ready and excited to put in a full day at nonPareil. I think a
them when they need someone to talk to. He also leads group
lot of that enthusiasm was from positive experiences he had
sessions, ranging from coding to design,” Selec confirms.
at Yachad. With Yachad, he felt that he didn’t have to pretend,
Aaron credits his involvement with Yachad for building
and once he found that same acceptance at nonPareil, he hit
up his self-confidence to be a success socially and to apply
the ground running.”
himself on the job. That boost of confidence from Yachad
Aaron agrees that there is something special about
carries over into Judaism as well. As a proud Jew, Aaron
working with others on the spectrum. “Not that everyone here
wears his yarmulke to work every day. He learns Torah every
is the same, but you can understand what it’s like to be in their
morning with a rabbi before work, a practice he has enjoyed
shoes,” he says. “I’m not perfect interacting with everyone, but
for the past five years. As tzedakah is one of his favorite
4

Belong 2014

mitzvot, he’s careful to give ma’aser (tithe)
from his salary. In fact, in recent months,
as Aaron would sit down to figure out his
finances, he has applied his ma’aser money
to support the members of Team Yachad.
One mark of his success is that last
October Aaron was invited to participate
in a panel discussion at Yachad’s High
School Leadership Conference, where high
school leaders from acro ss the country
come together for a weekend of leadership
training aimed at helping them enhance the
Yachad program in their community. Aaron
Aaron Winston at work. Photo: Michael Goodman
shared his own story, explaining to the
teenagers how his disability actually helped
him succeed in securing and keeping his
job.
“For me to have a job means that I have a mission in life to do positive things for myself and for others,” Aaron reflects. “Being busy is very good for me, and making money is good, of course. Having a job that pushes me to expand my
capabilities is positive, and I find that very fulfilling.”
For information on the Dallas chapter of Yachad contact DallasYachad@ou.org.
Batya Rosner is a staff writer at the Orthodox Union.

Vocational Training at Yachad
A job is so much more than just a paycheck. It enables one to get involved in the community and contributes to an overall sense of inclusion and belonging.
With the unemployment rate twice as high for individuals with disabilities than the typical population, employment is perhaps the greatest obstacle facing
disability communities nationwide. Job-seekers must work to not only become as qualified and capable as possible, but must also combat the biased
judgments some employers hold towards workers with disabilities. Although recent social and governmental initiatives have helped shed light on the issue of
disability employment, there is still a long way to go in the quest to create a more inclusive workforce. The job market now is tough; imagine how much tougher
it is for individuals with special needs. Everyone wants to work and contribute, individuals
with special needs just need to be given the chance and opportunity.
To enable individuals with special needs to land good jobs, Yachad provides:
• Job Coaching
• Specific Job Skills
• Job/internship placement
• Resume Writing Skills
• Social Skills
• Support System
A Yachad Job Fair

Yachad’s vocational program offers comprehensive vocational services to adults with
developmental disabilities, assisting them every step of the way on the road to vocational success. Our vocational team doesn’t just offer job coaching and job
placement services, it provides individuals with the complex social and daily living skills training they will need to succeed in the working world. The program
not only provides individuals with the skills and supports they will need to be successful employees, it helps them achieve greater independence for the rest
of their lives.

For more information about Yachad’s Vocational Services, or to ask about hiring one of our members, please contact Jack Gourdji at GourdjiJ@ou.org
or 212-613-8104.

Belong 2014

5

The Journey of a Lifetime
By Charlotte Friedland

“I can’t say it was a ‘dream come true’
because it wasn’t even a dream,” says Miriam
Kahn, a single mom from West Hempstead,
New York. “There was no way I could picture
my son Zev ever going to Israel. Because of
his multiple health issues it takes a lot of planning just to take a short trip, let alone send
him thousands of miles away for ten days.”
When Miriam first heard that Yachad
was offering a free trip to Israel for young
adults with special needs, a gift from TaglitZev Kahn & Max Cohen – Thumbs up at the chocolate factory!
Birthright Israel in conjunction with OU
Israel Free Spirit, she dismissed the idea of
including Zev. Though he wears braces on his
legs he can walk with a walker, but he would
packets, so the Yachad staffers could just shake them with
have to be in a wheelchair for such a rigorous trip. Moreover,
water to give him his drinks.”
he is medically fragile, has had numerous back surgeries and
With all in readiness, she returned home. When the big
can eat only puréed food.
day came, she accompanied the group on the flight. “It was
But possibilities began to perk in her mind. What if she
Zev’s first time on such a long flight and I was little nervous
could find a way to make it work? Would Yachad take on the
about it. But right after we took off, I went over to where he
responsibility for his care? “I decided to go ahead and apply, to
was seated, among the group of Birthright Israel participants
see what would happen. I didn’t really think they’d accept him.”
and wonderful counselors, and asked him, ‘How’s it going?’
She had underestimated the perseverance, resourcefulHe gave me a broad grin and a thumbs-up. When we landed,
ness and idealism of Yachad staffers. Nicole Bodner, direcmy daughter was at the airport with ‘Round One’ of Zev’s
tor of New York Yachad who runs the Birthright Israel trip,
food supply, enough for their upcoming three-day trip to
told Miriam she was willing to make all the arrangements
northern Israel.”
necessary for Zev to go on the trip. Yes, extra steps would have
While Zev was touring with the Yachad group, Miriam
to be taken, but she was quite sure that she and her staff could
stayed with her daughter in Ramat Eshkol, Jerusalem. She
deal with them.
resisted the temptation to follow the tour bus all over Israel
“They were great! Nicole was so willing to take on
in her car. “I davened well that there should be no medical
the challenge," says Miriam. “I started getting excited that
emergencies, believe me. But overall I felt calm and optimistic.
Israel would become a reality for Zev, because I go there often
The Yachad staff understood all of his restrictions and I saw
to visit my married daughter. All Zev knew of the experience
that I could trust them. They were so attentive to Zev’s every
is that I get on a plane, and I bring back pictures. To him,
need and determined to include him in every activity. I wasn’t
Israel was just photos of family members at the Kotel, not a
sure how they would accomplish that, but I felt confident they
real place.”
would try.”
The first thing to plan was how Zev would have the food
“Miriam Kahn was fantastic,” attests Nicole. “She kept us
he needed. As it happened, Miriam had planned to be in
supplied with Zev’s food, including a thermos to keep it hot
Israel in November for a family event, just six weeks before
till lunchtime. Dinner was heated in the hotel’s kitchen. When
the Yachad trip. “So I bought my daughter a freezer as a gift
it became clear that it was not always possible to do that, she
and I spent a few days cooking and puréeing and packaging
supplied us with a microwave for Zev’s room. We carried it
food for Zev. I also prepared powdered soymilk in little
on trips with us. She seemed surprised that we would go the
6

Belong 2014

extra mile for Zev to join us in all of
the fun.”
Like all of the twenty-four
participants on the trip, Zev made
new friends, traveled the length
and breadth of Israel, visited a
chocolate factory, took the cable car
to the top of Masada, took in parks,
danced, played the drums, and went
jeep-riding in the Negev. “We had
to be mindful that Zev had back
surgery, so he rode in a jeep that
stayed on the road, rather than
bumping over the sand, but we
all met at the same destination,”
Nicole explains. At Beit Hagalgalim
(House of Wheels), a recreational/
educational center for children with
physical challenges in wheelchairs,
the Yachad group prepared flowerpots to landscape the site. Then one
of the Yachad participants suggested
painting them, to make them even
more beautiful. Zev painted happily
along with the rest – even playfully
painting the face of a nearby staffer.
“Zev brought laughter and joy
to the whole group,” beams Nicole.
“He has a sparkling personality and
a great sense of humor. And he
had a specific tease for everyone –
like a high-five, or a thumbs-up he
assigned to every member of the
staff. Everybody wanted to hang out
with him.”
The high point of the trip was
when the group went to the Kotel.
Miriam and her family were waiting
when they arrived at the overlook
from where you can catch a first
glimpse. As two staffers lifted Zev up
so he could see, his face lit up with
recognition and he gasped, “Oh my
God!” He had made it. He was at the
Kotel, the Wall he had seen in photo
after family photo. “It was incredible
to see Zev go with the group across
the plaza, right up to the Kotel and
put a kvital (prayer on a paper
note) in one of the chinks,” says
Miriam. “Everybody was dancing and
singing. I couldn’t stop crying.”
In the several months since

Staffer Emily Feldman wrote this moving and insightful email to Nicole Bodner after returning
from the trip in January. She has allowed us to share it with our readers.
Hi Nicole!
I wanted to share some thoughts and reflections on the trip while they are still fresh in my mind.
First of all, it was the most fun, inspirational, and meaningful experience I could have had. Traveling the
country together, bonding on the bus, learning about each other and just having a great time, I learned
to appreciate each day and realize the significance of each moment.
I’ve been involved with Yachad for years, and this experience has definitely been the most intense,
but also the most influential Yachad program that I have been a part of. Our schedule was rigorous and
it required a lot of concentration to make it a meaningful social, emotional, spiritual and educational
experience while keeping everyone happy, healthy and cared for – all in a very short span of time.
Because of all of this cramming, it made us even more vigilant, even more hardworking and even more
determined to give each participant the best experience he or she could have. And though it was only
ten days, each day had more significance than a day on a two-month summer program. It forced us to
evaluate and try to improve daily and not let things pass us by.
Our staff was amazing. I was truly honored to be part of such an experienced, diverse, and talented
group. Everyone was willing to chip in when things got tough. Looking around at our staff meetings, I
really couldn’t believe that I was a part of this great team. They were so aware of the issues that needed
to be dealt with and, above all, knew how to remain calm and have fun.
Something special that I got out of this trip was watching the genuine, unfiltered impact that many
experiences had on the participants. I always find that in Yachad environments people are more in touch
with how they are actually thinking and feeling. This is due to the inclusive and understanding environment,
and sometimes due to the individual’s own honesty and openness. When we had meaningful experiences
such as the Kotel, Shabbos, and Yad Vashem, it was refreshing to hear and see people react and respond
with genuine warmth. This was just another really cool part of the trip that was made possible from both
a Birthright perspective – understanding significant Jewish concepts – and a Yachad perspective, feeling
comfortable to talk openly about these concepts in a meaningful way.
Finally, I think this was the first time I truly felt what Yachad does from an outsider’s perspective. It’s
easy to lose sight of how incredible Yachad is when you go on a Shabbaton and receive a simple thank
you from a parent, or when you’re in a camp where everyone is aware that Yachad is unique and tries to
include people. But when you travel out of our little Yachad bubble, not everyone is accustomed to seeing
people with disabilities travelling and having fun in Israel like any other first-time tourist. People were in
awe of us, and how participants and staff alike impacted on one another – whether it was through an
impromptu dance party in a public place, a thank you to a shawarma guy, or just walking through a
museum with decorum and genuine interest. Hearing “thank you” from parents after the trip was even
more meaningful. It was not only a thank you for the expected inclusion of their child in society, but for their
acceptance into the Jewish community, the Jewish lifestyle and the Jewish homeland that would not have
been possible without this incredible program.
I really miss the trip and everyone on it! You were always so calm and organized and genuinely
caring about every staff member and participant, it made the trip that much greater!
All the best,
Emily

Emily Feldman (at right) with Chavie Holtzman

Belong 2014

7

they returned to the States, Zev keeps up with his
Yachad friends on Facebook and Face Time. “And
he looks at the pictures taken in Israel every single
day. It gives him such joy,” says Miriam. “I had
always dreamed of making Aliyah,” she confides,
“but I didn’t know how Zev would adjust. Now
that I see how much he loves Israel, I’m going
to make plans. I’ve got to research how we will
manage there, but from our experience with this
trip, I’m sure it can be done. Now that would be a
dream-come-true.”
For more information on Taglit-Birthright Israel:
Israel Free Spirit Yachad trips to Israel contact
Nicole Bodner at bodern@ou.org.

Charlotte Friedland is the editor of Belong.

Zev at the Kotel for the first time

Get Involved B'yachad
celebrating

30 years

of building an Inclusive
jewish Community!

JOIN AN EVENT COMMITTEE
BRING YACHAD TO YOUR COMMUNITY
HIRE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH DISABILITIES
RUN WITH TEAM YACHAD
HOST A YACHAD SHABBATON
SHOP AT YACHADGIFTS.COM
DONATE AT YACHAD.ORG/DONATE
For more information, please contact Naftali Herrmann
212.613.8373 | friendsofyachad@ou.org | www.yachad.org/foy

Friends of Yachad (FoY) is a subsidiary of Yachad, The National Jewish Council for Disabilities, an international, not-for-profit 501 (c3) organization
headquartered in New York City. FoY raises awareness and support for Yachad, the only worldwide organization of its kind promoting inclusion for
children and adults in the broader Jewish community. Through philanthropic leadership of Yachad alumni – and beyond – from coast to coast, FoY
helps Yachad continue its mission of enhancing the life opportunities of individuals with disabilities. Yachad is an agency of the Orthodox Union.

Fortunate individuals among us have discovered
an addiction that’s actually good for you. Better than chocolate
or coffee, once you’ve experienced Yachad, you’re instantly,
and healthfully, hooked. It becomes an essential part of your
life, your family, and sometimes – your job.
Yachad-smitten since high school, Rabbi Jay Weinstein,
rav of the Young Israel of East Brunswick, New Jersey, now
has his entire shul community passionately involved and
clamoring for more.
During his initial four years of leadership, Rabbi
Weinstein instituted a Special Needs committee that has
successfully integrated children and teens into myriad shul
activities including Shabbat groups, nursery school and,
starting this summer, Camp Keshet, the first day camp in
the tri-state area with a Yachad program. The community
also sponsors several well-attended Yachad events each year,
including annual Rayim Yachad Shabbatonim for adults over
the age of twenty-six.
“I could give a drashah (sermon) with a message about
inclusion, but it’s not the same as experiencing it firsthand,”
says Rabbi Weinstein. “Holding a Yachad program in our shul,
connecting with Yachad members, benefitting from their
appreciation of the world around them, their Yiddishkeit, is a
much more powerful way to educate.”
And he should know; that’s precisely what captured him,
and kept him coming
back to Yachad. As
“It’s our responsibility to make
a teen growing up
in Miami Beach,
our communities and shuls
he never missed
open to people of all abilities.”
South Florida
Yachad chapter’s
monthly events.
His fervor continued beyond high school. While an undergraduate student at Yeshiva University, he served as chapter
coordinator for Rayim Yachad in Brooklyn. While studying
for ordination he earned an additional degree, a masters in
special education. The summer after college graduation, while
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Belong 2014

serving as a counselor in the Yachad bunk at Camp Morasha,
Rabbi Weinstein met his future wife, Sharon, also a counselor.
He went on to run the first vocational program designing jobs
for older members with special needs at Camp Moshava.
When it came time to find a rabbinical position, Rabbi
Weinstein’s attachment to Yachad and commitment to
inclusion spoke loudly and clearly on his resume. As assistant
rabbi of Shaare Tefillah in Dallas, Texas, with the senior rabbi’s
encouragement, he launched a thriving Yachad chapter and
served as chapter coordinator. Unsurprisingly, now as the rav
of Young Israel of East Brunswick, he also assisted with the
opening of a Middlesex County (New Jersey) Yachad chapter
which drew 120 participants at the synagogue’s most recent
Rayim Yachad Shabbaton this past February.
“It’s an inspiration to watch him at a Shabbaton,” says
Melissa Rosen, director of the youth department and Camp
Keshet. “He’s so at ease; he engages immediately and joyously.
Our adult congregants and their children see that and model
it. Inclusion has become part of our culture.”
Debbie Schaulewicz, East Brunswick resident for
twenty-eight years and chairperson of the Special Needs

“Participants keep telling us...they
can't wait to come back next year.”
Committee, concurs. “So many families volunteered to host
Yachad members that we had to turn many of them down,”
says Schaulewicz. “Friday night Yachad participants ate at

members and advisors are given aliyot and

encourages

them to publicly share divrei Torah (insights based on Torah
passages). “The most important thing to Rabbi Weinstein is
that they feel welcomed and truly part of the community,”
says Schaulewicz. “Participants keep telling us they feel so at
home in East Brunswick they can’t wait to come back next year.”
Rabbi

Weinstein’s

infectious

devotion

to

Yachad

continues to touch lives – past, present and future. “When
my husband got up to give a drashah at a recent Shabbaton,
one of the members shouted, ‘Hey Jay!’ He remembered him
as his camp counselor and Rayim Yachad coordinator,” says
Sharon. “He values making a difference for others, to include
them and make their lives richer. His idea of inclusion is that
it’s a lifelong goal.”
The shul’s children are growing up with inclusion
as a normal part of life. Mrs. Weinstein reports that her
seven-year-old daughter treasures her friendship with a girl
with Down syndrome. “Their peers are their peers; there’s
no separation in their minds,” says Rosen. “It’s very beautiful
to see.”

Apparently, the rabbi’s extensive inclusion efforts are

also making a difference in his adult congregants’ lives. “We’re
all so much more aware of the special needs population and
what we can do to include them,” says Schaulewicz. “We’re
more sensitive and open-minded; and we’re better people
for it.”

Rabbi Weinstein plans to spread the Yachad

riches to other synagogues, to show them how it can
uplift an entire kehillah. “It’s our responsibility to make our
Rabbi & Mrs. Weinstein with Ora, Ayal, & Eitan

communities and shuls open to people of all abilities,” he
says. He cites Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, international director of

their hosts’ home. On Shabbos afternoon the community ate
together with the Yachad members. Rabbi Weinstein wanted
everyone to mingle with the Yachad members and advisors.
This way, it’s very personal.”
Ensuring that Yachad members feel actively involved
in Shabbat services, Rabbi Weinstein sees to it that Yachad

Yachad, whom he calls his personal role model: “Don’t say
we can’t do it; give all the reasons why we can.”

An exemplary inclusion champion, Rabbi Weinstein

never runs out of reasons why he and his community can.
Bayla Sheva Brenner is a staff writer at the Orthodox Union.
Belong 2014

“We learned a lot about love with Sara,” shares Adina.
“And she definitely taught our family to have patience, lots of
patience.”
From a young age, Sara’s parents enrolled her at both
the local Bais Yaakov and the public school system. That way
she could receive the services most beneficial for her various cognitive and social issues, while enjoying an inclusive
experience within the Jewish school as much as possible.
About five years ago, Mrs. Ungar read about Yachad
summer programs in an article in The Jewish Press and
reached out to Nechama Braun, Yachad Summer Programs
administrator, about registering Sara
for the summer. Though Sara had
attended previous camps, her social
networks did not hold on.
“I was worried how Sara’s
experience would be at a new camp
600 miles away from home, but
once we brought her to the camp,
we saw how well run the program
is, and we knew it would be great,”
recalls Mrs. Ungar. “Yachad Morasha is
wonderful and my daughter looks
forward to camp every year.”
At Morasha, Sara made friends with whom she
communicates all year long, including one individual she
talks to every day. In fact, one of the highlights of attending a
recent Shabbaton in Chicago was being able to reunite with
camp friends.
“Sara loves being social and thrives when she is at camp,”
smiles her sister Shoshana. “It’s helpful for our parents to
know she is happy and excited about her summer plans. And
while we make our own plans for activities while she is away,
we don’t send her away because we need a respite. We want
what’s best for her.”
Since Yachad opened a local chapter last year in Detroit,
Sara has become a vibrant participant. The highlight of her
week? Hands down, everyone in the family knows that every
Thursday Sara looks forward to “Pizza and Parshah.”
Sara’s parents appreciate that the Detroit Yachad chapter
programming has presented their daughter with outlets she
hasn’t had before. “My daughter has simchas hachayim – a
joy for life – and she is always happy to try something new,”
says her father, Dr. David Ungar. “At Yachad, she gets together

with friends who are so easy to be with, who accept her for
who she is. And she picks up on the positivity.”

The family is gratified that now Sara often turns to the

phone to speak with her friends. “Yachad has been incredible
for my sister, giving her a whole social scene she didn’t have
previously,” offers Adina. “Though she has a lot of life to her,
sometimes she can get into herself and become withdrawn.
Yet around her friends, or when she finds out about a Yachad
event, or when she’s counting down to leave for camp, she’s
more alive, more in tune.”
“Her happy anticipation toward the
next event keeps her engaged with us,”
remarks Shoshana. “We can say ‘let’s go

“We want
others to see
Sara as we see
Sara.”

shopping,’ ‘let’s talk about it,’ ‘let’s start
packing’ because we want to be involved
with her. When it comes to preparing for a
Yachad event, she will let us do that.”
This winter, Sara travelled to Israel
with Yachad and Israel Free Spirit (the
Ta g l i t - B i r t h r i g h t I s r a e l p r o g r a m
coordinated by the Orthodox Union).
“Sara is not always gushy when she talks,
but I get tears in my eyes remembering

when she first told me ‘Mommy, I love Israel,’” Mrs. Ungar
recalls. “She had such a great time! Yachad took her from
north to south and all around Jerusalem.” When she returned
home from the ten-day trip, Sara was able to relive the experience and share with family members exact memories from a
video Yachad staff put together as a memento.

“Birthright and Yachad provided the experience of a

lifetime for my daughter,” Leah adds. “I can send Sara without
a family member to a Shabbaton, to camp, to Israel – that’s
something I could never have done without Yachad. I know
that it’s properly run, with guidance by those who are well
trained and equipped to handle people with special needs.
It’s a priceless gift, not only for Sara, but for our entire family.”
For information on the Detroit chapter of Yachad contact
DetroitYachad@ou.org.

Batya Rosner is a staff writer at the Orthodox Union.

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Yachad
SHABBATONIM

a year of

R
E
T
P
C H A

h
g
Hi ts
h
g
i
l

rbach

By Michael O

florida
Florida, one of the fastest growing Jewish communities in the United States, is also the home of one the fastest growing Yachad chapters. It is now headed by a full time director, Denise Herschberg.
A twenty-year veteran of Jewish communal work, Denise joined Yachad in August 2013 when her rabbi mentioned
that the organization was looking to broaden its services in Florida. The connection for her was immediate. “I felt like
I’d found a home,” she recalls.
Under Denise’s leadership, Florida Yachad has partnered with PJ Library in South Palm Beach County and is planning
a partnership with the Friendship Circle in Miami. “By joining together we can reach an even broader population and
bring Yachad’s programming to that many more families,” she says.

Equine therapy

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In addition to the partnerships, Florida
Yachad has been running innovative
programs that take advantage of the
state’s great climate: horse therapy classes
have been very popular, as well as a fourweek session at a farm for middle school
students and Yachad members.
Denise has already seen progress. After
holding two long-term planning sessions
for families with children who have special
needs, fifty new families joined. In response

new england

Take this quiz! What did New England Yachad do this
year?
A) Receive a $50,000 grant from the Ruderman Family
Foundation along with a $25,000 matching grant from
the national Yachad office.
B) Expand into three new regions in the greater Boston area.
C) Start Yachad’s first-ever college chapter at Brandeis
University.
D) All of the above.
Trip to the Discovery Museum

If you guessed D, you’d be correct. This was a banner
year for the chapter formerly known as Boston Yachad.
The name change to New England Yachad occurred when Director Liz Offen realized how popular the chapter
had become and how many participants were travelling from all over the state to be a part of it. Both the $50,000
grant and the matching grant will build and expand on existing programming through partnering with other
Jewish non-profits in the New England area.
Moreover, New England Yachad will be working
together with a social worker at Jewish Family Services
in Metro West and with the JCC of Northshore to expand
programming. This past year finished with two other
accomplishments: standing room only at New England
Yachad’s annual Tu B’shvat Seder; and a banquet dinner
for graduating seniors celebrating their time with
Yachad. Thanks to Yachad’s new college board, the
students’ experience with Yachad will continue to grow.

Yom Chesed at Maimonides

For more information contact Liz Offen at
NewEnglandYachad@ou.org, OffenL@ou.org
or 646-628-7003.

Bowling with friends

to popular demand, a third session took place before Pesach.
“Florida is a natural place for Yachad to expand its programming in
service to this vital, growing Jewish community,” she says. “There’s so
much to do.”
For more information about Yachad Florida contact
Denise at herschbergd@ou.org or 561-306-5872.

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Karaoke after a Shabbaton

Digging up fossils at the Stone Age Kickoff

What is Los Angeles Yachad doing? A better question is
what isn’t Los Angeles Yachad doing?
Since Orit Faguet came on as full-time director this past
summer, innovative Yachad programming across Los
Angeles has continued to flourish. This year's monthly
activity theme was traveling through time: each month
featured an activity tied to the theme. Participants began
the year in the stone-age with a fossil dig and drumstick ice
cream; one month was dedicated to dressing up as pirates
for the golden age of the high seas. Another month, Yachad
participants dressed as pilgrims for the Thanksgivvukah
feast, and in March, they got their groove on as 1960s
hippies.
Weekly activities for more than fifty participants have
included a “Cupcake War,” a “Color Run,” and a “Drum
Circle” serving as a grogger warm-up for Purim. Orit credits
the local Yachad board, composed of high school students
in the area, for the creativity of the events.

Michael Vogel, Doni Yellin & Pesach Menkes

“Inclusion doesn’t mean high school students take care of
Yachad members,” Orit explains. “It means they develop
friendships with each other.” She recalls that at one event
a Yachad member shocked a high school student by telling
her that he had never tasted sushi. At the next event, she
brought several sushi dishes for all the Yachad members.
“It’s all about sharing,” Orit says. “Everyone was delighted
with the sushi and we all had a fabulous time.”
For more information about Los Angeles Yachad, contact
Orit Faguet at LosAngelesYachad@ou.org
or 310-229-9000 x206.

Los angeles
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toronto

When Toronto Yachad brought in Richard Bernstein, a lawyer, marathon runner and activist who is blind, to speak
about empowering the special needs population, he didn’t
speak in only one venue. In four days, he spoke in seventeen places all across Toronto, powerfully sending Yachad’s
message to the entire community.
Under the leadership of Devorah Marmer, a veteran of
Jewish communal work for twenty-eight years, Toronto
Yachad has been offering an incredible amount of
programming. Weekly events for forty-five Yachad
members, amazing monthly activities and a vocational
program in Moshava Ba’Ir Toronto day camp, tell only
half the story. Toronto Yachad’s last Shabbaton, held in
partnership with BAYT – one of Toronto's largest shuls
– broke all Toronto Yachad records with 150 participants
and fifty guests from the community. The Shabbaton also
coincided with Shabbat Itanu, a Toronto-wide initiative run
by the UJA Federation that stresses inclusion, a natural fit
for Toronto Yachad. In March, Yachad launched a weekly
basketball program at one of the largest high schools in

Apple picking at Brook's Farms

Toronto. Currently, there are several programs running
each month.
Since Bernstein’s appearance, Devorah says she has been inundated with phone calls to bring more of Yachad’s
programming to the greater Toronto area. “People come over to me and say they had never heard of Yachad,” she
explains, “till now! Currently I’m meeting with a number of schools and synagogues to see how we can bring more
inclusive programming to the entire Toronto Jewish community.”
For more information about Toronto Yachad, contact Devorah Marmer at torontoyachad@ou.org or 416-986-1985.

Blue Jays Game at Rogers Centre

Michael Orbach is a staff writer at the Orthodox Union.

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19

since

1983

YACHAD HAS BEEN
PROMOTING INCLUSION
ACROSS THE GLOBE

2014
35% INCREASE IN
2012
MEMBERSHIP OVER
THE LAST TWO YEARS

4,200

families

ARE MEMBERS OF
55 N. AMERICAN CHAPTERS

ADULT & VOCATIONAL SERVICES

3,000 mishloach manot

1,200

job-seekers
WITH DISABILITIES CAME
TO YACHAD JOB FAIRS

WERE SENT IN 2014 FROM YACHAD’S
NEW INITIATIVE, YACHADGIFTS.COM

60 special-needs adults

IN DAILY DAYHAB JOB-TRAINING PROGRAMS

SUMMER & BIRTHRIGHT PROGRAMS

24 campers

ON THE 1 YAD
B’YAD TRIP IN ‘96
ST

485
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160 campers
ON YAD B’YAD
SUMMER ‘14

SPECIAL-NEEDS ADULTS JOINED
TAGLIT-BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL TRIPS

670

YOUNG ADULTS

WILL JOIN YACHAD THIS SUMMER

10,000 students

HAVE PARTICIPATED IN YACHAD
SENSITIVITY TRAINING

16,000
congregants

5,000 professionals

IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE
USA BENEFIT FROM INCLUSION
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

HAVE ATTENDED CONTINUING ED.
CONFERENCES SINCE 2005

FAMILY & CLINICAL SERVICES

27

MEMBERS IN DATING &
MARRIAGE SKILLS CLASS

200+

SOCIAL SKILLS
CLASSES

60% increase

IN COUNSELING
SERVICES SINCE 2012

5,000
FAMILY MEMBERS

INVOLVED IN SUPPORT GROUPS

NATIONAL PROGRAMMING

400

236 recreational events

IN THE PAST TWO YEARS

ADVOCATED FOR DISABILITY RIGHTS IN D.C.

SHABBATONIM

WERE HOSTED ACROSS AMERICA BY
NATIONAL CHAPTERS IN 2013

150 young adults

DESIGNED BY ELLIANNA SCHWAB
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21

Yachad Israel

By Michael Orbach

A Promising Chapter for the Promised Land
Picture this: You’re an 18-year-old American studying
in a seminary or yeshiva in Israel. It’s a new experience for you
to spend an entire year away from your family and sometimes
you’re a bit overwhelmed by unfamiliar surroundings. But
then, walking down a street, you see a flyer for a Yachad
Shabbaton. Yachad! You know Yachad; you loved Yachad
Shabbatonim in high school. You loved having a Yachad
program in your camp. But Yachad in Israel? You rush back
to sign up for the Shabbaton, but you’re too late.
The Shabbaton is already sold out. That’s what happened
at Yachad Israel’s last Shabbaton held in Ra’anana — sold out
within ten hours, a testament to Yachad Israel’s success. “We
had to close registration because we quickly had 94 people
registered,” explains Yoel Sterman, Yachad Israel co-director.
While Yachad is well known throughout the United
States — promoting its mission of inclusion for individuals
with special needs in dozens of Jewish communities across
the continent – Yachad Israel is relatively new. It was
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officially launched at the end of 2012.
The development of Yachad Israel was organic, says
Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, international director of Yachad. “We
had wanted to start a chapter in Israel years ago, but just as
we were gearing up to begin, the Intifada started and our
plans had to be shelved until a better time. Later, following
our initial success with Team Yachad’s participation in
the Miami Marathon, I had this idea that we could use the
Jerusalem Marathon as a foundation to start a chapter in
Israel.” When Team Yachad announced its participation in
the Jerusalem Marathon, more than 110 runners rushed to
sign up. Since then, 215 ran in 2013, and 252 in 2014. With
the funds raised from the Jerusalem Marathon, Yachad Israel
was founded under the direction of Joe Goldfarb, director of
Yachad Summer Programs, with Lisa (Rich) Galinsky and Yoel
Sterman as Yachad Israel’s co-directors.
Part of the need for Yachad Israel came from the structure
of services available for the special needs population in Israel,

according to Joe, who now directs Yachad Israel along with Yachad

the year in Israel; the leadership board composed of four

Summer Programs. “Israel has some special needs services, but

members; and a larger board that has representatives from

little that directly promotes inclusion,” he says. “There is a vacuum

major seminaries and yeshivot.

in those services for English-speaking people who made Aliyah.”

The first inclusive program was a Chanukah party,

active in Yachad during high school and in Camp Moshava.

followed by weekly events and four Shabbatonim that year.

He serves as co-president of Yachad Israel along with Racheli

Yachad Israel quickly realized the tremendous value and

Weil, a student at Nishmat.

Akiva Marder, 19, a student at Yeshivat Har Etzion, was

Team Yachad runners celebrate their completion of a Color Run

popularity of Shabbatonim: monthly Shabbatonim were

quickly introduced alongside the weekly events such as

tance. It’s both exciting and meaningful to see that message

“Pizza and Parshah” and bowling.

come to fruition and watch it spread here in Israel,” Akiva says.

To design programs, Yachad Israel recruited two boards,

made up entirely of young men and women spending

“I think our message of inclusion is one of utmost impor-

Among their other activities this year, Yachad Israel

participated in the Jerusalem Color Run with more than 800
runners. Enthusiasm for Team Yachad during the Jerusalem
Marathon increases each year, with our largest group to date

for families with special needs members. “Parents of Yachad
members are thrilled,” explains Lisa. “Yachad gives individuals
an opportunity to feel like anyone else. Yachad Israel is a
warm, supportive home where members are able to gain
lasting friendships, which is the most important thing.”
For more information about Yachad Israel contact Lisa
Galinsky or Yoel Sterman at yachadisrael@ou.org.
Michael Orbach is a staff writer at the Orthodox Union.
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23

P
URSUING
YACHAD'S



Yaffa

&

Yachad has changed many lives
for the better in immeasurable ways.
Two of those people are Yaffa and
Ari Ash, who met each other through
their work with Yachad.
Yaffa was first exposed to Yachad
via a Shabbaton she attended with a
friend during high school. She soon
found her niche, and from 2004 to
2009 she worked as a coordinator,
advisor, and counselor in various
Yachad programs, including Yad b’ Yad.
Meanwhile, her future husband Ari, with whom she
shared mutual childhood friends but had never actually met
in person, also began to contribute his time and talents to
Yachad. Eventually, Yaffa and Ari met at a Yachad Shabbaton
in 2007 and became friends. Later that year, at the same site
of the Shabbaton where they first met and worked together,
Ari proposed.
The importance of disability inclusion was instilled
in Yaffa from a very early age by her mother, who worked
in special education and exposed Yaffa to the diversity of
humankind. Yaffa feels that this helped her achieve a
greater understanding of how people with disabilities can

Yaffa & Ari with their son, "JD"

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Ari Ash
By Deborah Berman

and should fit as equal and useful members
of our Jewish communities and the world.
She and Ari live by this belief in their daily
lives, and they work tirelessly to impart
the idea of true inclusion and equality to
others. To further that goal, they advise
teens to “forget all your expectations” about
Yachad inclusion events “and think of it as
just hanging out with new people.” This
seemingly obvious piece of advice hides
a powerful message. Many people in the
wider world have unfortunate preconceived
– and often downright incorrect – notions of what people
with disabilities are like, and also about what it might be
like to form social relationships with them. It’s important to
remember that people with disabilities are simply people –
people with hearts and minds and feelings. They can share
so much with you, and you with them.
“So get involved,” they encourage young people, “as we
did.” And who knows? You might just meet that special
someone who shares your values and commitment.
Deborah Berman is Yachad director of Social Work.

MISSION
T
OGETHER



Jackie

&

Stevie Moster
By Doria Miller

In the summer of 2007, Yachad
had a common need, interest, and love
brought Jackie Green and Stevie
for Yachad.”
What’s Jackie’s advice for someone’s
Moster together, and today they confirst time at a Yachad event? “Experience
tinue their work as a married couple,
the array of emotions, ask questions,
extending Yachad’s mission in the
and assume a leadership position when
Jewish community.
there is a need. Create a welcoming and
Both Jackie and Stevie, from
Jackie & Stevie with Yachad member Jonathan
accepting place for everyone.”
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, became
Feinerman on Yad B'Yad 2007
Jackie and Stevie continue to
counselors on Yad B’Yad, Yachad’s
live
by
Yachad’s mission of “addressing
summer program that brings typically
the needs of all individuals with disabilities, ensuring their
developing teens together with young adults with disabilities
inclusion in everyday life.” Stevie spreads Yachad’s message
on a tour of Israel. During Yad B’Yad, high school students
about education and advocating for greater understanding,
and Yachad members experience the Jewish homeland to
acceptance, and outreach by creating a disabilities study
the fullest as they ride camels, hike up Masada, participate
major at University of Maryland. Jackie is a behavior specialist,
in special Shabbat programs, and volunteer for community
working in a mainstream school supporting students with
service work. Jackie and Stevie first became a team when they
challenges in multiple areas, such as social skills. She believes
were assigned to similar responsibilities on Yad B’Yad. Their
that inclusion is reality. “People should not be included only
working relationship quickly developed into a friendship, and
in certain situations; it should be a way of life.”
that friendship eventually evolved into marriage.
The couple brings Yachad’s mission to everything that they
Jackie first began her involvement with Yachad through
do at home as well, teaching their ten-month-old son, Sammy,
weekend Shabbatonim when she was in high school, soon
self-acceptance, sensitivity, and respect for others – all others.
realizing she was “surrounded by people who brought out
the best” in her. She came to view Yachad as a place that
“despite everyone’s differences, [we] were getting together,

Doria Miller is a Yachad Social Work intern.

Jackie & Stevie with their son, Sammy

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25

RS
RUNNE

188

H
T
O
A
N
R
A
M
I
MIAM

RUNNER
S

252

JERUSALEM MARATHON

Broadening Our Scope
Yachad's Professional Conferences Share Expertise
By Batya Rosner
For thirty years, Yachad has been advocating for
the inclusion of those with disabilities within the Jewish
community. In recent years, however, the organization has
been able to reach beyond our immediate Jewish circles,
sharing the experience and expertise of its professional staff
with the general community.
“As part of the wider disabilities professionals’ community
we are responsible for educating our colleagues, and in turn
being educated by our colleagues,” states Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman,
international director of Yachad. “Yachad is great at providing
its services to our members and their families, but we realize
that while we may have many pieces of the puzzle, we don’t
have all of the pieces. The more individuals and agencies
interact and share information, the better it will be for the
people we serve.”
“Yachad provides these services and works with other
agencies, schools and organizations to make sure they are on
the cutting edge of special needs education, technology and
resources. It’s our responsibility to ensure that every agency
servicing the special needs community is well equipped with
knowledge and know-how,” adds Eli Hagler, associate director
of Yachad.
To fulfill that mission, Yachad director of Social Work
Deborah Berman, LCSW, developed a Continuing Education
Conference for disability services professionals. Its goal is to
further develop their professional skills as well as enable them
to network with agencies across the spectrum of services.
“It’s no longer realistic for a practitioner to utilize a
one-size-fits-all approach to client matters,” Deborah explains.
“Working with individuals with special needs requires a
practitioner to be a sociologist, an historian, a detective, and a
counselor. They must understand how an individual’s culture or
community responds and reacts to individuals with disabilities,
both on the attitudinal level and the social service level.”
The first conference was so successful that Yachad opted
to host two such conferences during this school year, in
December and in April. The conferences respond to the needs
of disabilities workers in many different professional areas. For

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example, many of those in attendance were key gatekeepers
in different agencies working with staff and families. Within
Deborah’s workshop on “Direct Care Worker Support and Self
Care,” conversation among the group shifted to the struggles
of motivational management by supervisors and senior staff.
“All managers constantly deal with preventing staff burnout,”
Deborah assured the group. “Trying to help your clients deal
with difficult situations can make your staff feel unqualified
and ineffective. Let’s discuss how a good manager can combat
that feeling...”
Another area explored at the conference was how
individuals with disabilities can be enabled to find their place
in the workforce. The Jewish Union Foundation (JUF) partners
with Yachad in providing comprehensive vocational services
to the disability community; Jack Gourdji, JUF executive
director, and Michael Appelbaum, JUF program director, led
an enlightening session on “Vocational Options for Persons
with Disabilities.”
Discussing vocational development with the group,
Natalie Marc of VISIONS Center on Blindness said, “For the
most part, people with disabilities are very hard working and
that supports a high retention rate. Our clients are grateful to
be employed and really want to prove that they are capable.
Once they have the opportunity to show themselves, they
will give it their all. Employers love that. They want to hire
someone they know can contribute a lot to the company.”
The high level of expertise demonstrated by the Yachad
presenters and those from other agencies whom Yachad
enlisted to address the conferences assured a positive,
productive outcome. Luigi Clemente, a first-year student
in Hunter College’s Master’s program for Rehabilitation
Counseling, made it a point to participate. “A large part of
working with rehab counseling entails vocational development
for people with disabilities, so when my department chair
forwarded us an email about the conference, I decided to
attend to broaden my horizons and network,” Clemente says.
“I’m so glad I came.”

Conferences for Educators
In addition to Continuing Education Conferences for
professionals in the disability field, Yachad organizes two
major conferences every year for educators in the Greater New
York/New Jersey area (and also provides monthly webinars
for educators). To better accommodate school budgets and
encourage wider participation, conferences for educators in
different regions of North America are planned.
“Every child learns differently – every child has strengths,
every child has weaknesses –and therefore we need to look at
each child as a diverse learner in order to teach them better,”
says Batya Jacob, director of Yachad Educational Support
Services who coordinates the conferences.
With more than 800 participants, Yachad’s Election
Day Educators’ Conference has become a distinguished
professional advancement opportunity for New Jersey special
education professionals and their colleagues from around the
country. This year’s two-day conference, “Creating a Positive
School Environment for Diverse Learners,” was attended by
representatives of eighty-plus schools from around the country.
“These conferences reach a range of teachers from those
who hold degrees in Special Education to those who are
trained as typical secular and Jewish teachers and do not have
that background,” says Batya. “Today, every classroom has
all types of different learners; teachers need to know how

Dr. Lichtman emphasized to the assembled group. “Clearly
it is where our students ‘live,’ and has the potential to offer
much. But it can never replace the human dynamic, especially
in education. And so it is vitally important that we look at
how best to utilize technology and blended learning from
many vantage points.”

“The hallmark of Yachad is that we can reach a broad

gamut of Jewish life,” shares Batya. “It’s not just the Modern
Orthodox, not just Charedi (Ultra Orthodox) – it’s really our
ability to put 200 people from all parts of Jewish life together
to learn from each other, people who all have the same goal
of teaching Jewish children, of growing Jewish neshamot
(souls). To me, that’s success.”

Of course, the success of all Yachad conferences is

determined by how many of the practices shared – whether
in the classroom or within an agency – are implemented to
any degree. “Remember that you are not doing this for a rush
of gratification,” Deborah Berman stressed to a room full of
case workers, “we do this because we strive to help others; we
are doing God’s work.”
For information on Continuing Education Conferences for
disability services professionals contact Deborah Berman at
to reach each child and how to juggle a class with so many
different types of learners.”
One of the topics addressed by the Election Day
Conference was “blended learning,” a combination of direct
teacher instruction combined with learning by computer.
“Technology has infused virtually every aspect of our lives,”

If you or your company might be interested in becoming a
corporate sponsor for team yachad Miami or Jerusalem,
please reach out to elI hagler at 212.613.8285 or haglere@ou.org.

c o n s i d e r r u n n i n g w i t h u s:

MiaMi 1/25/15; JerusaleM 3/13/15

www.teamyachad.com

Our Way Gemach:
Changing Lives One
Hearing Aid at a Time
By Charlotte Friedland

“Imagine a child with a severe hearing loss being
told that she can use a hearing aid while in school, but that
when she goes home she must leave it in the classroom!
For the rest of the day, she will not hear.” Audiologist Batya
Jacob, director of Educational Services at Yachad, cringes in
frustration at the thought, knowing well that this scenario is
often the case.
The problem is that hearing aids can cost from
$1,500 – $5,000 each, and many people need two. Because
hearing aids and listening devices are classified as “optional
prosthetic devices” many insurance companies will not cover
the cost. It doesn’t matter if the hearing-impaired individual is
a child, adult or senior. If a family cannot afford a device, he
or she will go through life not hearing teachers, family, music,
religious services, and thousands of other sounds
others take for granted.
In some places, a child can receive a hearing
aid on loan from the school district. But because
it is school property, it cannot leave the premises. The child must muddle through the rest of
the day and weekends trapped in a disability that
could have been rectified.
And that’s where the Our Way Hearing Aid Gemach
(free loan agency) comes in. Batya thought of the idea
three years ago and suggested it to Our Way Director Rabbi
Eliezer Lederfeind. With his enthusiastic support, she started
collecting used hearing aids and contacted a select number
of hearing aid dealers nationwide who will work with the
organization to fit the aid to the recipient’s ear.
“It’s quite simple really,” she explains. “When someone needs a hearing aid, they send me their audiogram,
essentially a copy of their hearing test results. I analyze the
need and delve into my drawer full of donated hearing aids
to find ones that will match their specifications. I send out
two sets at a time for the recipient to try. They can use their

own dealer to fit it properly, or one we recommend.”
The recipient keeps what can be used and sends back
the rest. So far, the arrangement has worked well. There are
twenty-five sets out right now, bringing the precious gift of
sound to people of all ages. An infant born with severe hearing
loss can develop in a normal auditory environment. A child
can achieve success in school, play with friends and participate
in family activities. A senior citizen can enjoy the company of
friends; attend concerts, recreational activities and classes; and
hear the voices of beloved grandchildren.
“Of course, the system is not as perfect as I would like,”
Batya acknowledges. “The aids don’t always fit or work just
right. But having one is far better than not. It’s doing a lot of
good.”
Not content with simply providing free
hearing aids, Batya spearheaded a campaign to
have the classification of hearing devices legally
changed by Congress from “optional” to “essential
prosthetic devices.” Her petition was circulated by
Our Way and delivered to members of Congress
in February.
“If we can get the status of these devices
changed, insurance companies will be encouraged to pay for
essential audiological testing, hearing aid devices and their
maintenance,” she explains. "If that happens, there may no
longer be a need for the Our Way Gemach, and that would be
wonderful.”
For information on the Our Way Hearing Aid Gemach contact
batyaj@ou.org.
To donate a hearing aid, please send it to Batya Jacob at:
Our Way, 11 Broadway, 13th floor, New York, NY 10004.
Charlotte Friedland is the editor of Belong.

Belong 2014

31

An Interview With

Batya Jacob
By Shoshana Remer

There are only so many people in this world who illicit a positive response from everyone. Batya Jacob is one of those people.

When co-workers are asked to describe Batya, only wonderful things are said. “Batya is the educator of educators,” says Eli Hagler,
Yachad associate director. “She is totally dedicated to the cause of Yachad.” Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, Yachad’s international director,
describes Batya as “a highly competent, multi-talented individual. She has been developing a program of national and international
status that is equal to any disability program in our community.”

I am a social work intern at Yachad this year, and Batya has taught me so much about inclusion. She is one of the go-to people

in this organization. I can see the passion she has for Yachad and the sparkle in her eyes while talking about its members and their
families. Let’s take a closer look at this devoted Yachad director and see the organization’s meaningful work from her perspective.

Q: HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN YACHAD?
A: My youngest child was born with a hearing loss. I found out
about the Our Way Program (a program run through NJCD for
the hearing impaired) and started bringing him to programs.
I learned a lot about Yachad. I realized I really loved teaching
Torah and especially loved teaching Torah to kids who had
challenges. So I went back to school and got a masters in
teaching Hebrew curriculum. I sent out my resume to a local
day school and Dr. Lichtman happened to be the head of the
board of education at the time. He came to me and said, “I
can hire you to teach, but I think I have a better fit.” We spoke
a while and I came on as the program director for Our Way. I
did a lot of different programming – trips to Israel, educational
programming, and social events, all geared towards the Jewish
deaf community.

Q: WHAT PART OF BEING YACHAD’S DIRECTOR OF
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES APPEALS TO YOU?
A: In order to include someone truly into the Jewish community
— and Jewish life — they have to have an understanding of mitzvot
and Torah. I believe every person can learn that at some level. It
doesn’t have to mean looking up sources in a book in six different
languages; there is an intrinsic feeling, a piece of each person’s
soul that can relate to being Jewish. My goal has always been to
include the children in this basic level of education. I have a
nephew who is hard of hearing and both of his parents are deaf.
When he was turning five, we went to look at schools for him. He
is bright. His only issue is that he has a hearing impairment. There
were schools that wouldn’t even sit down and talk to us because
of that impairment. We couldn’t get them to understand there is
so much more to a person than a pair of ears.

32

Belong 2014

Q: TELL ME ABOUT AN ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU CONSIDER THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IN YOUR CAREER.
A: When I started here fifteen years ago, there were a handful
of kids with special needs in regular day schools. We have
really grown. Now most schools in the United States have
some sort of a special needs classroom. I think that is a huge
credit to Yachad, for taking on this initiative. It is the thing I am
most proud of. I can say to a parent there is a place for your
child and you are going to be able to educate that child.

Q: WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
A: My love for Judaism, my love for Hashem (God), my belief
that no matter what, people are people, and my belief that all
people are created by and therefore deserve the respect, the
care, and the love of other people. I really think that is what
motivates me to walk in here every morning. Sometimes it gets
hard; it can be frustrating. But when I see the incredible results
it’s worth the effort.
I ran the first Birthright programs with Yachad. I went on the trip
to Israel with the Yachad members, and Friday night we got
to the Kotel. One of the Yachad members led the davening —
with tears running down his face. He was absorbed in his love
of Judaism, which is what we are all about. And there are so
many more stories just like that which continue to inspire me
and all of Yachad’s staff to continue working as hard as we do.
That’s what motivates us – we see how we make a difference in
people’s lives.

Shoshana Remer is a Yachad Social Work intern.

YAChAD presents:
InternAtIonAL InCLusIon AnD
speCIAL eDuCAtIon ConferenCe

www.yachad.org/specialedconference
pLeAse ContACt our offICe for group prICIng of 3
or more professIonALs from the sAme InstItutIon

551.404.4447 • 212.613.8127 • batyaj@ou.org
Collaboration to provide the best possible Jewish,
general, and special education for all students
regardless of learning challenges or disabilities.

Adam Katzman, Jonathan Spiller, David Solooki, Beni Snow

My Guiding Light
Hi! My name is Jonathan Spiller and I am
a member of New England Yachad.
Yachad makes me happy to be who I am and has
given me so many great friends who support me all
the time. A lot of my friends are high school students,
but no one cares about my age. I have formed strong
bonds with my friends from Yachad and they have
fun hanging out with me at Yachad events and outside
of Yachad. A few friends and I have gotten together
to play basketball and get ice cream, just for fun. My
friends always want to hear about how I am doing
and we talk about my recent photography exhibits,
recent movies I have seen, my watercolor painting
class, and anything else I want to talk about. They are
patient with me when I speak to them. Sometimes
I hesitate when I speak because I am nervous, but I
get encouragement from my friends and I take my
time speaking. At Yachad, I am not judged in any way
when I speak publicly, or in general. The people I’ve
met through Yachad think of me as a true friend, and
we support and learn from each other.
I have learned a lot from my friends – most of
all, that I can be myself and do things I like to do. I
learned I am not too old to color on paper or go to
Bugs Bunny festivals with friends, or to do anything
else that I enjoy.
High school Yachad participants, like the New
England teens from Maimonides School and Gann
Academy, are making a difference in people’s lives.
My friends from Yachad motivate me to try new
things. Yachad is a big part of my personal ner tamid,
my guiding light. The light that shines from Yachad
shines within me.

A New Yachad Inclusion Initiative
It all comes down to attitude. Of course,
ramps and other physical adjustments are important, but it’s
the attitude of the rabbi and leadership that determines if a
synagogue is welcoming to individuals of all ages with visible
and invisible disabilities.
So says Deborah Berman, and she should know. As
Yachad’s director of Social Work, Deborah is co-founder of
the historic Hineinu initiative, which got underway following
the fall holidays in 2013. Setting a remarkable precedent,
Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist
leaders are working together in the first-ever formal
collaboration of professionals to share resources and support
in order to increase
inclusion on the
synagogue-level for
people of all abilities
and disabilities.
“T h e p o i n t o f
Hineinu is to make
attitudinal changes
in a shul,” explains

The point of
Hineinu is to make
attitudinal changes
in a shul.

34

Belong 2014

Deborah. “Some synagogues may be physically accessible –
and that’s well and good – but because of attitude, people
with disabilities may not feel comfortable going there. For
example, the parents of a child with autism may fear s/he
will be considered disruptive. They fear judgment. So it’s
great when a congregation cares enough to build a ramp, but
did anyone from the shul ever go out into the community to
actively engage persons and families with disabilities and let
them know in no uncertain terms that they are welcome?”
Hineinu was formed to change those attitudes – and yes,
to work on accessibility factors as well. The representatives
of synagogue movements across the religious spectrum,
most prominently Mrs. Berman of Yachad, an agency of the
OU, and Rabbi Lynne Landsberg of the Religious Action
Center for Reform Judaism, agree that this is not a religious
initiative, and there will be no joint services. They do not
engage in discussion of any of the issues that separate the
various denominations of Judaism, effectively keeping the
focus on the universal need for inclusion.
The Hebrew word Hineinu means “We are here.” It is
in the plural form to stress the principle that if synagogue

communities foster attitudes of inclusion and acceptance in a
direct and meaningful way, this change will grow and develop
into a wholly inclusive larger Jewish world.
The first results are in. Hineinu is working.
“At this point, we have several synagogues which have
signed on to join us and are working with Yachad to set
up their curriculum and disabilities activities for the year,”
Deborah says. “We are serving as their disability development
advisors at no cost, partnering with them on social programs,
sensitivity training, accessibility, disability committees, and
even seating arrangements.”
As of this writing, there are eleven Orthodox synagogues
taking part in the initiative, covering communities from the
East Coast to Los Angeles, and north to Toronto. In these
early stages, there is no attempt to have large numbers of
participating shuls; the first group will serve as mentors to
synagogues signing up in the months to come. A twenty-page
Disability Inclusion Resource Guide for Rabbis is available for
all participants.
Among the original group is the new Lincoln Square
Synagogue on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. When the
building was designed, shul leadership and the
architects kept the needs of those with disabilities very much
in mind. “It’s a phenomenal building in terms of accessibility,”
Deborah
exclaims.
“Everything is completely accessible in
every way: bimah,
Torah reading table,
seating, bathrooms.
It’s magical what
they’ve done. They
are very disability-centered. Yachad/
Hineinu is proud to
partner with them on a
variety of synagogue
events this year
including sensitivity
trainings, lectures,
Jonathan Spiller of NE Yachad
and community social
programming.”
Rabbi Dovid
Cohen, rav of the Young Israel of the West Side (Manhattan),
is firmly behind the program. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Yachad on this most important Hineinu initiative,”
he declares. “Our community is at the forefront of efforts on
the West Side in inclusion of individuals with special needs.
For instance, we all benefit each Shabbos from having an

eight-year-old boy with Down syndrome lead Adon Olam for
the entire community in our
sanctuary.
And
we look forward
to our upcoming
sports Olympics
event that will
i nteg r ate our
community with
the young adult
special
needs
population and
further
solidify
our relationship
with Yachad.”
Rabbi Benjamin J. Samuels of
Congregation
Shaarei Tefillah
in Newton, MassaNate Woogen (Taglit-Birthright
Israel December 2013) puts on
chusetts, agrees.
tefillin at the Kotel
“We are excited
to partner with the
Hineinu initiative. At Shaarei Tefillah, we pride ourselves on our warm, welcoming Modern Orthodox
community. However, we have learned over the years
that creating a truly inclusive environment requires more than
good will. A sincere call for inclusivity must be conveyed not
only with greetings and invitations, but must be expressed
through architecture and access, signage and programs.
“The strength of a kehillah (community) should be
measured not only in membership units but also by our
manifest inclusivity and our capacity as a halachic community
to learn and improve, to outreach and in-reach, to grow
together through full encounter of Torah and mitzvot,” Rabbi
Samuels explains. “Our participation in Hineinu is our way of
continuing to respond to this Divine call and charge of
hakhel, of inclusivity. We work hard to concretize this
message through both our programming and publicity. We
sincerely hope that by stepping up to say 'Here We Are,' we will
inspire other shuls to do likewise, and we invite those who
have previously felt without community to join us with their
own 'Hineini – Here I am!'”
For more information on Hineinu, contact Deborah Berman at
Bermand@ou.org.
Stephen Steiner is director of Public Relations of the Orthodox Union.

Belong 2014

35

Yachad’s DayHab
Donates Aron Kodesh

A synagogue had no Torah ark after Hurricane Sandy ­— until Yachad Day Hab came to the rescue

Art instructor Sara Kramer led a brainstorming session
A brilliant idea dawned on Josh Geiger, Yachad
advisor, at the 2009 Yachad Family Shabbaton. After services,
for the curtain design. Each member drew his/her ideas on
the Torah was placed on a table, simply wrapped in a tallit.
paper. Ultimately, they decided on a quilt block design to
“It needs a proper home,” he thought.
incorporate everyone’s particular vision.
“What could be more fitting than
The blocks depict images of the
Chavie Moses spray painting
an aron kodesh (Torah ark)
Ten Commandment tablets, the
built by Yachad members
Kotel (Western Wall), a lion,
themselves?”
the flag of Israel, the Yachad
When Josh told his
logo, and the words, “Yachad
colleague, Emile Berk, then
means together.”
vocational coordinator (whose
As the aron grew, so
father happens to be a profesto o di d each m em b er’ s
sional carpenter), about the
confidence. And when it was
project idea, he jumped on it.
completed, they were amazed
Over an exciting, hardworking
at their accomplishment. The
six-month period, he guided
stunning structure was as
Yachad Day Hab (day program
impressive in its size as it was
for adults with disabilities)
in its beauty.
members through each phase
Before an audience of
of the construction: from its de700 participants, the Yachad
sign, drilling, assembling, stainDay Hab members presented
ing, and shellacking, to upholthe aron to Yachad at the
stering the interior with velvet.
2010 Family Shabbaton. They
36

Belong 2014

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Finished! Yachad member Igor Yaakubov proudly displays the aron.

documented their building process with a stirring slideshow
and commentary from individual members. “Their faces
glowed,” says Dr. Lichtman. “One of the members was
jumping up and down, with the biggest smile on his face. To
work together as a team, learning and applying skills towards
the completion of a project – there is no better way to build
self-esteem and no greater level of satisfaction.”
For three years, the aron kodesh traveled to Yachad
Family Shabbatonim and other hotel-based events, inspiring
thousands of Yachad members and guests. But after
Hurricane Sandy, Yachad was notified about a shul that had
lost its aron kodesh in
the storm. When the
idea of donating it was
"Their faces glowed..."
suggested, there was
no better feeling in
the Yachad office that
day. To help a congregation begin to get back on its feet was
the obvious choice. Bais Yisroel of Bayswater (New York)
welcomed Yachad’s generous offer and is proud to use the
aron.
As this unique aron brings solace and inspiration to the
Queens, NY congregation, it also remains a source of pride to
Yachad’s Day Hab members. After all, they designed and built
it from scratch. “And they were able to contribute something
that they created to the greater Jewish community,” says
Emile, “something related to Torah and Yiddishkeit that was
lasting. It gave them a feeling of pride, accomplishment – and
above all, inclusion in the Jewish community at large.”
For more information on Yachad Day Hab contact Jack Gourdji
at gourdjij@ou.org.

Bayla Sheva Brenner is a staff writer at the Orthodox Union.
YACHAD IS AN AGENCY OF THE ORTHODOX UNION

Belong 2014

37

By Michal Grossman and Avital Listman
We signed
up for Yad B'Yad, Yachad’s Israel
travel program for teens with and without disabilities, not
knowing what to expect. It turned out to be a life-changing
experience that inspired us to get further involved in
Yachad. We had made long-lasting friendships and learned
the importance of inclusion and of incorporating that
mentality into our lives daily. As soon as we got back to
school after the summer, we were eager to share our new
passion and commitment to this cause with the rest of
our school community. Yachad Youth Leadership Council
(YYLC), Yachad’s board of active high school leaders from
the New York Metropolitan area, gave us the tools to bring
Yachad programming back to our school.
We are grateful to our principal, Mrs. Neugroschl at
Yeshiva University High School for Girls, for embracing
our initiative. She allowed us to establish a Yachad Club at
our school. We began the club by introducing participants

38

Belong 2014

to Yachad’s mission of inclusion, stressing its famous
tagline “Because Everyone Belongs.” Our thirty club
members took on organizing a school-wide sensitivity
training – a simulation of what it may be like to have a
disability, with guidance from Rebecca Schrag, Yachad’s
director of School and Community Programming (and
Yad B’Yad), and Laura Fruchter, director of Yachad’s
program at Camp Morasha. Students left the sensitivity
training with a greater appreciation of the tools they have,
a greater degree of patience and empathy for their peers, a
sense of commitment towards being more welcoming to
their peers with disabilities and a thirst for more Yachad
programming.
Soon after, we were honored to host the Marilyn David
IVDU Upper School – Girls Division (Yachad’s school for
young women with disabilities) for a pre-Purim chagigah
(party). We loved seeing girls of all abilities come together

About YYLC

Yachad Youth Leadership Council helps shape the future of Yachad

and implements programs of change within Yachad, schools and
communities. Council members participate in leadership development
opportunities and serve as inclusion liaisons for their various
communities. Looking for relevant and creative ways to educate their
communities and share their passions, members help construct and
publicize local Yachad events, Shabbatonim and fundraisers. They
bring sensitivity trainings, awareness campaigns and speakers on
topics relating to disabilities to their local schools and synagogues.
Once exposed to their enthusiasm, it’s hard not to join their stimulating
projects!

This year YYLC is focusing on purposeful social media. For NAIM

(North American Inclusion Month), members created images with
inclusion tips for every day of the month – for students, by students –
under the tagline #28daysofinclusion. YYLC is currently launching a
video competition where individuals can submit video shorts on topics
surrounding disabilities.

to usher in the Purim spirit. And we received great
feedback from IVDU Upper School as well as from
our friends and faculty at school.
Proud to be a part of real change within our
school, we feel so empowered every time a peer asks
us about using sensitive “person first” language, how to
get Yachad apparel, or how to get involved in upcoming events and Shabbatonim. We love the leadership
role Yachad empowers us to take, and the position it
gives us in our school community. We look forward
to our school’s continued involvement with Yachad’s
important work and seeing where the Yachad Club
will go next.
Yachad has changed our personal lives so much
that we did something we never thought was possible: we joined Team Yachad 2014. Running 13.1 miles
in Miami with Team Yachad, in support of inclusion,

was quite an achievement. It was really hard, but
what got us through it was the thought that we were
doing it for a cause that means so much to us.

As we began to think about our plans for

the upcoming summer, we couldn’t give up the
opportunity to spend it with Yachad. This summer, we
will both participate in Yachad’s Morris Sandelbaum
High School Fellowship Program.

This fellowship

places students going into 12th grade as staff
members in one of Yachad’s summer programs. We
were both lucky enough to be given the opportunity
to work in Camp Morasha, our first choice.
Michal Grossman and Avital Listman are Juniors
at Samuel H. Wang Yeshiva University High School
for Girls.

Belong 2014

39

WHAT

INCLUSION

Isabelle Glickman, Rebecca Aryeh, Raizy Abittan, Elizabeth Berger

MEANS TO ME

Jacob Mendelson, Yoni Goldberg

Elizabeth Berger, Yoni Rabanipour

Danielle Harris

Avital Listman, Hanna Tessel, Leelah Paul

40

Belong 2014

YACHAD/NJCD, AN AGENCY OF THE ORTHODOX UNION, IS DEDICATED TO ENHANCING
THE LIFE OPPORTUNITIES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, ENSURING THEIR
PARTICIPATION IN THE FULL SPECTRUM OF JEWISH LIFE.

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CAMPER PROGRAMs

Children and young adults ages 8-21
Camp activities with typically developing campers

TRAVEL/Vacation PROGRAMs
young adults ages 17-45
Participants vacation and tour the US and Israel

Belong Magazine 2014

Yachad's Annual publication of Belong Magazine was distributed to over 70,000 homes as a supplement to the Orthodox Union's Jewish Action Magazine. To learn more about Yachad and all it does for the disability inclusion, visit yachad.org or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/YACHADNJCD